Why Safe in Austin Rescue Ranch went viral 4 years after 'Queer Eye'

“Let's go for a race, Francis!“ Ace JJ, 3, plays with Francis, also 3, at Safe in Austin on Oct. 21. [LOLA GOMEZ / AMERICAN-STATESMAN]

A TikTok about an Austin nonprofit is going viral, but it's still in need of donations.

Safe in Austin Rescue Ranch is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused or disabled animals. The Ranch then pairs the animals with children with similar backgrounds to encourage mutual hope and healing.

The nonprofit was featured on an episode of Netflix's "Queer Eye"in late 2021. "Snow White of Central Texas" depicts Safe in Austin founder Jamie Wallace-Griner and her work in operating the rescue.

TikTok user @thebarnmaidstale, a regular volunteer at Safe in Austin, explained in an Aug. 22 video that the show prompted "steady" donations and sponsorships. However, "they've trickled down to almost nothing in the past few months." The nonprofit may be forced to cancel its second annual gala, set for the evening of Oct. 3.

The user also said Safe in Austin has had to "turn away animals in need" due to a lack of funding. Half of all donations and sponsorships go toward food, shelter and veterinary care for disabled, abused and/or neglected animals. The other half provides similar support to children who visit the ranch.

"I personally hate asking for money, but I will beg on my hands and knees for these special animals and to keep this much-needed sanctuary open," the TikTok user said in the post, which had generated over 30,000 likes within a week.

"It's been on my heart since the very beginning that we would never charge a fee to anyone who needs us," Wallace-Griner said in an Instagram post. "Love shouldn't cost a thing. Unfortunately, everything else does."

How can I support Safe in Austin Rescue Ranch?

Safe in Austin accepts donations through Wallace-Griner's PayPal ( @safeinaustinrescue) and Venmo ( @safeinaustin). The nonprofit also has an online fundraiser on GoFundMe, which has raised around $20,000 since its creation in November 2021.

For those willing to help in other ways, Safe in Austin has an Amazon wish list with needed items like animal food, grooming tools and cleaning supplies. There are also opportunities to sponsor an animal or become a volunteer.

The nonprofit operates its rescue ranch at 14601 Honeycomb Drive in Leander, north of the Austin metro.